(Click on image to enlarge)
Image courtesy of Aneta and Zenon Grabowscy.
This photograph shows Teofil Grabowski standing at the back, and his wife, Wanda, perching on the arm of the easy chair. In the front row are their two children: Aurelia Frances Wanda (born September 1, 1922), and Edwin Teofil (born January 16, 1928). The woman holding Edwin is Teofil's mother, Marianna, about whom I know nothing.
Judging by Edwin's apparent age, I'm estimating that this photo was taken in the summer or fall of 1928.
Since my previous post, I've done a little more online research and found an account of Teofil and Wanda's 1919 wedding (which got Teofil's first initial wrong):
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New Britain Herald (Conn.), July 31, 1919.
Writing in 1930 (after Teofil and Wanda had been killed in an accident), the same paper said:[1]
Admitted to the Connecticut bar more than 11 years ago Attorney Grabowski practiced in New Britain for several months before going to Chicago. He was also president and organizer of the Indiana State bank, now known as the First Indiana State bank of Gary.But another article in the same issue said:[2]
Mr. Grabowski was born in Pennsylvania [this is incorrect] and was a resident of this city for several months after being graduated from a law school [in 1914]. Although he was admitted to the Connecticut bar he never practiced here.I think the New Britain Herald was a little confused about Teofil's history.
I still don't have a clue what took Teofil from Indiana to Connecticut, or vice versa.
Wanda's parents were Antoni (or Anthony) and Francziska (or Frances) Cieszynski. Wanda was their eldest child, I believe, and had some eight siblings. The family ran a home furnishings and appliance store on Main Street in New Britain, which the New Britain Herald described in 1927:[3]
A. Cieszynski & Sons is a well known firm here having sold furniture to New Britain people for more than twenty five years. Anton Cieszynski the founder of the business is widely known in business circles. The store is managed by Mr. Cieszynski's son, Val Cieszynski who has filled the position as manager of the establishment since 1917. Joseph Cieszynski is also associated with the firm.One of Wanda's sisters, Helen, became a dentist (1920 Census).
Aurelia and Edwin Grabowski, orphaned by the deadly train accident in November 1930, left their lovely home north of Ainsworth forever. They went immediately to New Britain, Connecticut — traveling on the same train that carried their parents' bodies there for burial. (From Teofil's death certificate, it looks as if their Uncle Valerian Cieszynski came out to Indiana, to handle the arrangements and bring the children home with him.) Aurelia and Edwin would spend the rest of their childhood in New Britain, being raised by their maternal grandparents among numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
I have no idea what became of Aurelia. As for Edwin, however, I stumbled across what appears to be his death notice in the News and Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) of December 22, 1968:
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How like his father, in several ways.
He is buried in Bellevue, Washington.
_______________
[1] "Double Obsequies for Crash Victims," New Britain Herald (Conn.), Dec. 2, 1930.
[2] "Mrs. T.H. Grabowski Killed in Indiana," New Britain Herald (Conn.), Dec. 2, 1930.
[3] "Cieszynski's Reopening," New Britain Herald (Conn.), Dec. 2, 1927.
6 comments:
Such a sad story. I looked around a little and it seems Aurelia Grabowski married Weld Conley. They moved to Louisville KY in the early 60s. She seemed to have lived until 2002. I wonder why she wasn't mentioned in her brother's obituary? Maybe they didn't have the information?
Yes, it's a bit strange. It would suggest that perhaps the brother and sister weren't close in their later years ... or at least, the widow and sister weren't.
Good point :)
I am David Conley. Aurelia (Grabowski) Conley was my mother. After her parents, Teofil and Wanda, were killed at a Nickel Plate railroad crossing in 1930, she and her brother, Edwin, were taken back to Connecticut. Aurelia was raised by her Grandfather Antoni in New Britain, while Edwin was raised by their Aunt Helen (Cieszynski) Lewandoski in Seymour.
Aurelia and my Uncle Ed remained in contact up until his untimely death. Physical contact between our respective families was rare because of tortuous and expensive driving from their homes in Alaska (later in Seattle) to our homes in Milwaukee (later in Louisville). Aurelia did fly to Seattle to visit with Ed's family upon hearing of Ed's death.
I read Ed's obit for the first time tonight but do not think that missing the mention of Ed's living sister was at all problematic. At that time, Ed's family was going through several traumatic months to re-orient their lives. Over the ensuing years, members of both families have occasionally visited each other at their respective homes.
Thank you for this insight!
I didn't realize the children were separated after their parents' death. That's rather sad. But I expect there was considerable visiting between the two households, since the two towns aren't far apart.
My name is Anthony Lewandoski jr. My 2 Great Grandfather's was Antoni Cieszynski I have this same photo . My Grandmother was Helen Lewandoski of Seymour ct. I remember the family history very well. David Colney call the house in ct still the same number and leave the number with my mom!! Thanks
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